The Best and Worst Fashion Trends (Ever!)

The Best and Worst Fashion Trends (Ever!)

It was pretty hard to sort through the good (’20s flapper skirts), bad (backless shirts) and ugly (polyester jumpsuits—eek!), but someone had to do it. From the ancient toga to today’s LBD, we’ve rounded up the best and worst trends of all time. Pencils, please.

Best: Grecian draping

From ancient Roman times to pretty much every runway show since designer Madeleine Vionnet perfected the look in the 1920s, women who want to look beautiful and strong (you, me and celebs!) keep coming back to this universally flattering look.

Photo: Film Magic

Worst: Corsets

Corsets constricted the woman’s body so tightly that even breathing was difficult—some 16th-century models of this undergarment were actually made of iron (ouch!). And we won’t even get into the effects on the internal organs. No thank you!

Photo: Hulton Archive

Best: Leggings

They make summer-to-fall wardrobe transition a breeze, cover up unshaved legs, let you sport super-short skirts without winding up a fashion DON’T, and best of all, they’re about the most comfortable accessory ever invented for the modern woman. We think—and hope—they’re here to stay.

Photo: Getty Images

Worst: Cage crinolines

These silhouette-wideners make women walking fire hazards, and just try navigating everyday life at the center of a 3 - 5 foot radius. Not exactly date-friendly material.

Photo: Hulton Archive

Best: Miniskirts

When British designer Mary Quant popularized the miniskirt in 1960s London, women (and we’re pretty sure all the men, too) rallied around this young and fresh design. And who doesn’t love to get a little sunshine and fresh breeze on her gams?

Photo: Hulton Archive

Worst: Sci-fi dresses

As cool as all those Fifth Element extras looked, chances are the real-life attempt might make you look more like an out-of-touch space cadet. Plus, we don’t even want to think about what sitting in metal feels like.

Photo: Hulton Archive

Best: The LBD

It’s simple: Whenever you can echo Audrey Hepburn in 60 seconds—or however long it takes you to zip up and slip on heels—do it.

Photo: Hulton Archive

Worst: Overalls

As much as we love the idea of easy one-piece dressing, we don’t love the idea of looking like Old MacDonald. Enough said.

Photo: Getty Images

Best: Little jackets

Whether it’s a smart blazer for work or a model-off-duty-inspired motorcycle style at night, there’s nothing that instantly pulls together an outfit like the perfect thrown-on jacket.

Photo: WireImage

Worst: Bare midriffs

Unless you’re a headlining pop star (performing onstage), this is too flashy of a move for most situations.

Photo: WireImage

Best: Strapless dresses

It’s no coincidence that when a girl wants to truly impress (like, say, on her wedding day), she almost always goes back to this style. Sexy but sweet, showing off beautiful shoulders is always an elegant move.

Photo: Getty Images

Worst: Daisy Dukes

Not only are the inevitable catcalls just not worth it, there’s really no appropriate place to almost show your butt, except for the beach. And wouldn’t a vintage cover-up be so much cuter? Leave this one to fictional characters.

Photo: Getty Images

Best: Safari

Yves Saint Laurent stylized this utilitarian look into sexy garb for the fashion-forward in 1966, and there’s hardly a designer who hasn’t riffed on the idea in the 44 years since. Besides, who doesn’t like to dress like she’s headed on a wild adventure?

Photo: FilmMagic

Worst: Platform sneakers

The love child of the sneaker and the platform looks just as silly as it sounds. To be worn only once a year—on Halloween.

Photo: WireImage

Best: Flat boots

Since this practical trend became popular in the mid-’60s, the style has grown from short and casual all the way up to thigh-high and chic, proving you can have comfort and style, even in winter.

Photo: WireImage

Worst: Leisure suits

From ’70s polyester versions to ’00s velour tracksuits, no one could possibly feel comfortable in this conspicuously geeky look, no matter the trend’s comfort-seeking intentions.

Photo: Getty Images

Best: The basic white tee

This ubiquitous piece is the perfect base for any outfit—casual or formal—and it’s the perfect match for jeans, that other American comfort classic.

Photo: WireImage

Worst: Trucker hats

We have never seen a truck driver wearing one of these hats, and we hope to never see anyone wearing one ever again. Ironic mocking belongs in Mean Girls, not real life.

Photo: WireImage

Best: Statement necklaces

From Cleopatra’s weighty jewels to Banana Republic’s more accessible options, the statement necklace has been a recurring trend because it can take a casual outfit into evening territory in two seconds. Something face-framing and flattering to the neckline is almost always a DO.